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When we got our turn with the new Lexus F-Sports Edition, we weren’t all that impressed with the suped up IS 350C. Lexus had basically taken their boring sedan and juiced it up just for the sheer sport of it and, as it turns out, a geek on steroids still isn’t all that cool. Now it seems as if Lexus is bringing it back for the 2011MY, but with a few changes in its price and number of units. Either people agreed with us and Lexus is lowering the price with the hopes that more units will sell and even out their bottom line, or the company thinks more people should get the chance to drive around in their pseudo-sports car. Something tells us that the jump from 100 units to 175 and the $55,120 (down from last year’s $57,500) price tag is more of a bargaining chip than it is a gesture of sincerity. Either way, the Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition will go on sale at the end of February 2011. Lexus didn’t concern themselves with upgrading the engine of the vehicle, which is probably a good thing because the car couldn’t handle the power it was given to begin with, but they did add a few new F Sport Performance accessories to make it worth our while - not that it is. They also changed the exterior colors from Tungsten Pearl and Obsidian to Starfire Pearl and Obsidian. Hit the jump to read more about the Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition. Exterior There are just a few elements that set this special edition apart from its standard model. For starters, there is a new set of 19-inch forged alloy wheels with a dark graphite finish and Michelin Pilot Sport tires, plus a shock set developed in cooperation with Bilstein and lowering springs that reduce the ride height approximately one-inch in the front and rear resulting in a more aggressive appearance and lower center of gravity. Other additions include a sway bar set that helps reduce body roll and provide flatter cornering, and Bi-Xenon high intensity headlamps with LED daytime running lights. The best addition is the new shock set because, in the words of our test driver, last year’s model came with a suspension that seemed to be sculpted out of rock. The Lexus IS 350C F Sport will come in two exterior colors - Starfire Pearl and Obsidian - and will feature special badging to further distinguish it from the rest of the models. Interior The same sporty look continues in the interior of the vehicle with black and red semi-aniline leather-trimmed seats with sporty red stitching, heated and ventilated front seats with wood trim, and Lexus Navigation. The HDD navigation system features a seven-inch VGA touch-screen, Bluetooth phonebook download capabilities, a rear back-up camera, Voice Command casual-language voice recognition system, Lexus Enform, XM NavTraffic, XM NavWeather, and XM Sports and Stocks. Engine No changes will be made under the hood of this year’s F-Sport. The special edition will get the usual 3.5 liter V6 engine that develops a total of 306 hp at 6,400 rpm and 277 lb-ft of torque at 4,800 rpm. The engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. PricesThe new Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition will go on sale at the end of February2011 and will carry a price of $55,120. Competition The Lexus IS350C takes on models like the BMW 3-Series convertible, the Audi S5, and the Volvo C70. The BMW 3-Series has a starting price of $58,700 and is powered by a 3.0-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine with TwinPower Turbo technology that delivers a total of 320 HP. While the BMW is a few thousand dollars more expensive than the IS350C, it is indeed more powerful and features a more impressive design. The C70 is being offered with three gas burning and two diesel engines: A turbocharged five cylinder making 227 HP is at the top of the list and still isn’t enough to out-power any of the vehicles mentioned here. The $39,950 price tag reflects this, but makes it a viable option for anyone who cannot afford the other competitors. The Audi S5 is priced at $59,050 and is powered by a 3.0 TFSI engine that delivers 333 HP and 325 lb-ft. of torque. This is by far the best looking and fastest model of any of the cars mentioned here, so we would be more likely to take the Audi over any of the others, even with the slightly higher price.   Performance accessories
Impressive look
Good technology
Less powerful than some of its competitors
Will the new shock set absorb the bumps and bruises?
22 comments: Lexus IS 350C F Sport Special Edition I am really impressed with the classy design and luxurios looks of this convertible car. I must agreed either that the price is really good, not like the other cars. It is really nice to hear that it is so affordable.
 I would agree on that one. The accessory they put up is a good one. The engine performance is quite enough for a competition. The price is good too, it not as pricey compare to others.
 The new look of this Lexus is really impressive and have the looks of an elegant sports car. I love the performance accessories of this Lexus sports car. I would love to have a car like this but I know that it will cost in a high price, I wish I could afford this.
 I love the performance and its accessories on this sports car; as well as the technology either but sorry to say I’m not impressed with the looks of this one.
 This one is really rather nice. I really don’t have that much love for the IS, but the way they did this one is actually just amazing. I especially like the colors.
 Yes! I Agree. Its kinda more competent high engine with BMW compare to Lexus performance. I think Lexus is usual than other type of hybrid car it seems less powerful capacity.
 yeah, the look is great but compare to its competitor Lexus is just nothing. Competitors engine like in BMW is much powerful compare to this..
really want to congratulate Toyota for making the Lexus. There’s no doubt that this car is one of the most successful car ever! it look so sporty and performance accessories is impressive!
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Posted on
09.12.2011 @ 05:17